Journey To The ResurrectionSample

The Bible doesn't record a single event of Jesus' life on this day in Holy Week. Our Lord was staying with His disciples at the home of Mary, Martha, and Lazarus in Bethany (a suburb of Jerusalem). How did He spend the day?

Probably teaching His followers about tomorrow's trials, seeking to prepare them for the shock and pain they would soon face. Comforting His close friends on the eve of His arrest. And preparing Himself to go to the cross for us. As Jesus often prayed early in the morning (Mark 1:35) and late at night (Luke 6:12), so He spent this day in communion with His Father.

Jesus could still have chosen to escape Jerusalem and flee to the safety of His Galilean homeland. But He chose to stay and die and spent this day getting ready.

The Lord calls us to "be still and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). In the midst of a very busy time of ministry, when "so many people were coming and going that they did not even have a chance to eat," Jesus said to His disciples, "Come away by yourselves to a desolate place and rest awhile" (Mark 6:31).

When last did you accept your Lord's invitation? 

Take a few minutes to be alone with your Father today. 

Visualize Jesus at Bethany surrounded by His disciples and friends, yourself among them. 

Picture Him in the center of the room and sit at His feet. 

As you rest in His presence, thank Him for what He will do for you this week. 

Praise Him for His love and grace. 

Commit to Him your grateful obedience. 

And decide to meet Him each morning in His worship and word.

This is the second day of Passover in Jewish tradition. On this day, the priestly blessing will be offered to God on behalf of His people wherever the children of Israel live: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24–26). 

Amen.